Did you know there is a color of the year? Yes, indeed, and for 2014 the Pantone Color Institute has decreed it to be Radiant Orchid, described as "a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple with fuchsia and pink undertones."

The Pantone Institute studies how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions. It then searches for color direction in the arts, entertainment, technology and sciences. The winning color of the year subsequently influences product development in multiple industries, including fashion, beauty, home and industrial design.

And, I might add, in the garden.

Now, I can't grow a genuine orchid to save my soul, but the color purple with all its permutations is right up my alley. Thankfully, it and its kissing cousins of lavender, fuchsia, magenta, mauve and plum are easy colors to showcase in the ornamental garden. Let's wander, shall we, through the garden year in search of purple hues.

In early spring, look for tones of lavender, pink and deep purple among the crocus, and in Attila and Blueberry Ripple tulips. Don't forget fragrant hyacinths, which come in a variety of pinks and magentas, as well as traditional blues and whites. Later are the grape hyacinths, also adorned in blue, purple and lavender.

We all know and love the old-fashioned purple lilac cultivars Ludwig von Spathe and President Lincoln, but don't forget the innovative, re-blooming types such as Bloomerang. These newbies are smaller, better-behaved and smell just as delicious as their predecessors.

In the mid-May garden, gently scented native woodland phlox arrives in pale lavender, and appreciates shady conditions. Later on, many alliums show off in classic purple shades. And when these ornamental onions fade, keep the interest going by spray painting them whatever color you wish.

Moving deeper into the gardening year, we can sample rhododendron Orchid Lights, and Karl Rosenfield peony. But don't miss rose Wild Blue Yonder, a fluffy grandiflora from Weeks which is exquisitely fragrant. Add in the classic Barbara Streisand and Angel Face for a sumptuous bed.

Regal German bearded iris commands attention in the June garden with its alluring purple blooms. Good fall cleanup is essential with these rhizomes, however, to prevent the dreaded iris borer. Native liatris announces its appearance by blooming from the top down. It's a butterfly magnet, but a tad tall. Try the smaller Kobold, which is appropriately sized for today's gardens.

Who could omit hydrangea from a listing of purple flowers? Look for Glowing Embers, an old-fashioned mophead which retains its vivid color upon drying. Also check out the dwarf Pia and the lacecap Blue Bird.

Butterfly bush comes in (and often reverts to) a shade of medium purple. The shrub draws in the butterflies and hummingbirds but is gaining a reputation as a rampant self-sower. Consider purchasing dwarf forms such as "Blue Chip." These remain small and don't wantonly disperse their progeny.

In terms of annuals, the choice is vast. Waiting for the January thaw to show their pretty cat faces are the Johnny jump ups. Come spring, six-packs of petunias will be available in a plethora of purple, pink, lavender and blue. Some are even fragrant! Don't forget morning glories. Look past the standard Heavenly Blue to 16-foot Grandpa Ott and tricolor, heritage Yelta. Deep purple heliotrope possesses a well-deserved reputation for fragrance, but give a sniff test first. Not all are not created equal.

As you see, we could wander on and on in purple-flower heaven. There's tall garden phlox, perennial geranium, bee balm, thyme, hosta, dahlia and many more. Purple (and its relatives) is a color I've always loved in the garden and in my home. At age 13 my childhood bedroom was papered in purple-lilac-sprigged wallpaper, complemented by a Sears Roebuck three-tone lavender ruffled bedspread. I thought that bedroom prettier than a smile. And since I recall it so vividly 50 years later, perhaps it was.